We have just returned from such a fabulous trip at from Dr. Barnado’s first Ragged School in Mile End. The children dressed in rags and took the tube to East London. We were greeted by Miss Perkins who ran a very strict classroom experience, setting activities and expectation true to the Victorian era.

The children took part in handwriting exercises and simple arithmetic using their chalk boards. Also some drawing of shapes using symmetry. Their behaviour was exceptional as Miss Perkins strict standards enforced order in the classroom.

This has given a tiny glimmer into what a ragged school had to offer. Of course conditions were way worse than we can imagine. This shows us the very important work Dr. Barnado accomplished in helping a new law to be enforced in 1880 that meant every child between 5 to 10 had to go to school.